Sure, we've been taking it easy on the red meat as of late. But that doesn't mean the urge doesn't come calling. You know which one I'm talking about. Especially now that summer is in full swing and the smell of charcoal wafting through the evening breeze is a nightly happening. So when the opportunity arose to pick up a beautiful 1.5 pound skirt steak, I jumped on it.
Read MoreRoasted Tomatillo Salsa
I must have been ten or eleven. My mom was trying out a recipe from her co-worker Maria, and made this huge jar full of what looked like some primordial green stew. Herbs and vegetable chunks floating in a semi-transparent, vaguely swamp-water-ish-looking broth. I tried a bite and that's all it took. I was hooked. Tart, spicy, faintly sweet... this was some next level flavor.
Read MoreHawaiian Style Macaroni Salad
I love macaroni salad. Like "sneaking huge spoonfuls out of the fridge at midnight" love macaroni salad. It's my favorite part of any hawaiian plate lunch, and it's totally easy to make at home. Start with the base, add in whatever you like, and enjoy!
Read MoreRoasted Red Pepper and Potato Soup
Fresh ingredients prepared simply… that’s usually all it takes to make delicious food. This soup is exactly that. With just 3 main ingredients – red peppers, potatoes, and an onion – you’ve got the makings of a soup that is smokey, rich, creamy, and filled with flavor.
Read MoreBánh Mì Style
One bite and I guarantee you will declare bánh mì - the Vietnamese sandwich and street food staple - a triumph of rich, sweet, spicy, tangy, herbaceous deliciousness. And what's not to love? Traditionally made with a light French baguette (a vestige of Vietnam's French-colonial history), pickled carrot and daikon, spicy chili sauce, mayo, cilantro, cucumbers, and a richly flavored proteinous filling, the bánh mì is a category of flavor combinations unto itself. The beauty of the bánh mì (which actually only means "bread" in Vietnamese, although the term has come to be associated with the sandwich) is in its ability to accomodate a range of fillings - from steamed, roasted, or grilled meats to tofu, even eggs. Included below is a recipe for chicken meatballs.
Read MoreGrilled Shrimp with Romesco
Sometimes I go into the weekend with my mind already made up about what to make. Other times I let the ingredients lead the way. Such was the case this last weekend when a trip to the Mar Vista Farmers Market brought me to these beautiful red peppers. For a while now, I've been wanting to try to make a romesco sauce - think pesto, but Spanish-style, with red peppers and almonds as the base - so here was my chance. Threw some shrimp on the grill, brushed on the romesco, served them with some fresh lemon and more romesco sauce for dipping... wow. Earthy and sweet, with layers of flavor and texture.
Read MoreCorn Salad with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
There's no better way to fire up on the flavors of summer than with some fresh, sweet corn. Check out this easy recipe for a delicious corn salad. Sweet, fresh, bright... this one turned into summer staple real fast.
Read MoreGrilled Sweet Potatoes
Colorful, tasty, with a nice zing... and healthy! My 6-year-old nephew even said he loved 'em. Kid tested, mother approved, and another good excuse for Dad to fire up the grill.
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